Gopher Basketball
| Game Info | |
| Opponent: | Gardner Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs |
| When: | 7:00 pm, November 28th, 2005 |
| Where: | Williams Arena – Minneapolis, MN |
| Television: | None |
It seems like every year there’s a team on Minnesota’s schedule you’ve never heard of and expect to be a cupcake, but then there’s something that says this might not be so easy after all. That’s the case with Gardner Webb, a team that lost by just 3 points at North Carolina to start the season.
What does that mean? I have no idea. But they played the Tarheels dead even in the first half and right down to the wire before falling 83-80 at the buzzer in front of 20,000 hostile fans. Then again, the Runnin’ Bulldogs (ever seen a bulldog run?) also lost 70-43 at Auburn Friday night. So who knows? Might be a tough game, or might be a blowout.
Here are my Gopher Keys of the Game:
1. Inside-Out. Minnesota didn’t get much interior scoring on Saturday, but they did generate a fair amount of offense by running the ball through the post. With only one regular over 6’6″ on the Bulldogs, the Gophers will have a size advantage and need to work to exploit it again.
2. Tire “˜em Out? Maybe not. Gardner Webb basically played just 6 guys against North Carolina. So I’d usually say the Gophers should try to run on them and tire them out. But then again, we’re not so deep these days, and the Tarheels couldn’t tire them out, so I actually think a slower pace like we had on Saturday is the way to go. Run when you get the chance, but otherwise work the ball inside.
3. Another Step. The Gophers took a big step in rebounding and defense Saturday, but they need to take another step before heading to Maryland Wednesday. Now is not the time to get content.
I don’t know what to expect in this one, so I guess I’ll split the difference between UNC and Auburn and forecast a comfortable, but not cupcakey, victory. My prediction: Minnesota 69 Gardner Webb 57.
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